"How come you didn't notice when he came in? Did something happen to you?" She completed the question, looking at him keenly as she expected his answer.
"Why would you think something happened to me?" Gideon asked, and Salma let out a sigh. It seems there was no stopping him or talking him out of dropping the habit of countering questions with questions.
"I thought I heard you groan, and I called but you didn't answer. Also, you arrived at the scene late even though you were not too far away." Salma responded, listing all she observed at that time.
"I was a little distracted." Gideon moved back to the kitchen counter to pick up his coffee. When he did, he leaned against the counter, facing her, and took a sip of the black drink.
The side story is out come and read.